2020 Polestar 1

The stunning Volvo’s 2-door plug-in hybrid coupe is back. Volvo initially showcased it in concept form in 2013. The concept immediately captured the attention of many enthusiasts who have been eagerly waiting for a production version of the 2-door coupe. Well, it was seemingly looking like it would never see the light of the day but at last Volvo has decided to take the coupe into production but not as a Volvo but a Polestar. Volvo recently decided to make the Polestar a fully-fledged electric performance division that would henceforth build cars under its own name. The 2-door coupe will be the first model to kick-start the new age for the division hence the “ 2020 Polestar 1 ” nametag.

2020 Polestar 1 Exterior

Although the coupe will not wear a Volvo logo, it is actually a 2-door Volvo S90 sedan. The model is underpinned by the same SPA platform that is used by the S90 and V90. However, engineers have cut the wheelbase by 12.6 inches and reduced the rear overhang by 7.9 inches to create a beautiful 2-door car. The 2020 Polestar 1 has a wheelbase of 177.2 inches.

Most of the exterior design is identical to the S90. The front look is particularly identical to the sedan, well except the Volvo badge; it is the same story at the rear. The rear, however, adds a retractable wing to improve stability and thus enhance handling. However, unlike the Volvo models, the majority of the Polestar 1 exterior body panels are made of carbon fiber which has enabled engineers to save 500 lbs when compared to the S90 sedan. Polestar says 52% of the coupe’s mass is concentrated over its rear axle.

2020 Polestar 1 Interior

The cabin has a 2+2 seating arrangement. The dash, on the other hand, mimics other Volvo models particularly the S90 sedan. To ensure you do not mistake the model for a regular Volvo, its steering wheel wears a Polestar logo. Panels that would otherwise be covered in wood feature carbon fiber to save weight.

The center of the dashboard features the automaker’s Sensus infotainment system. The cabin also comes with a Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system for first-rate entertainment as you speed down the highways.

Engine and performance

Volvo intends to power Polestar models with only electric drive-trains but the Polestar 1 is powered by a plug-in hybrid drive-train. The system features a turbocharged as well as supercharged 2.0 L, inline-4 that channels its power to the front wheels. The conventional mill is complemented by two electric motors with one of the motors, rated at 44 hp paired with the crank while the other two each rated at 107 hp are mounted on the rear axle one on each wheel which means that on EV mode, the coupe transforms to an RWD car. The entire system produces 600hp and 738 lb-ft of torque. The model comes with two battery packs, one on the rear axle and the main in the transmission tunnel. Although Polestar did not give the actual size of the batteries, the automaker claims the coupe will have a 93-mile range on battery power alone.

The coupe’s chassis features Öhlins adaptive dampers; the model also features advanced torque-vectoring courtesy of the two rear motors while stopping power comes from 6-piston Akebono brake calipers.

Price and release date

Considering it is a 2020 model car, it is too early to start talking about prices but Volvo has confirmed that the model will be available only by subscription. The idea is to give enthusiasts a stress-free ownership experience. The plan will involve ordering the model online and agreeing to subscribe to at least using the car for a minimum of two years. The subscription will be all-inclusive and users will only be required to make a sole monthly payment that covers even valet services and ability to rent alternative vehicles within Polestar as well as Volvo range. Polestar is already taking “expression of interest” from customers and plans to produce 500 units every year but would scale up the production if demand increases. Production of the plug-in coupe will commence in mid-2019.

Shortly after the Polestar 1 hits the market, Volvo will follow up with Polestar 2 aimed to compete with Tesla Model 3 and an SUV dubbed Polestar 3.